US Fish and Wildlife authority on the interstate?

backinthesaddleagain · September 18th, 2010, 07:12 PM

Driving (in car) on Rte 95 in Connecticut tonight. About 10-15 mph over the limit in the high speed lane. Vehicle behind me hits the blue and red lights, I swear, and go in low speed lane. Vehicle shuts off the police lights and passes me. Its a white pickup with US Government plate. He does this a few times but never really speeds up like he's on a call. Apparantly I wasn't the only interested person as 2 other cars start trying to catch up to him to see what agency he is. Each time someone pulls up along side he puts the lights on again. I get my turn and see its a US Fish and Wildlife truck. I back down before he hits the lights again. However next up was a toyota from massachusetts, they stayed side by side with the fish and game guy slowing the interstate to 40mph. I tried to get Connecticut State PD on the phone, to report this guy, then figured the PD would ally with him and next thing I'd be the worse for it.

Just seems like he had no right doing what he was doing and was causing alot of confusion on a 65 mph road.

kkim · September 18th, 2010, 07:24 PM

Ah... give him a break. He was most likely drunk and just having some fun.

backinthesaddleagain · September 18th, 2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Ah... give him a break. He was most likely drunk and just having some fun.

i think he wanted to play highway patrol and scare some people into slowing down or moving out of "his" lane.

bob706 · September 18th, 2010, 07:35 PM

Was the highway going through federal property? If not then I don't think he had any authority.

backinthesaddleagain · September 18th, 2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob706

Was the highway going through federal property? If not then I don't think he had any authority.

No he was in front of me for about 20 minutes, so maybe 20 something miles, crossing several towns, some with private businesses on both sides of the road. Not so much as a public watershed.

GeneJunkie · September 19th, 2010, 11:13 AM

I didn't realize that US Fish and Wildlife could have red/blue lights.

I don't think they have authority to slow traffic, maybe he was just testing his power?

g21-30 · September 19th, 2010, 02:51 PM

Call and mention what you saw, along with a Tag #:

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/le/

backinthesaddleagain · September 19th, 2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g21-30

Call and mention what you saw, along with a Tag #:

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/le/

Thanks Sam I saw the site when I got home. If he flicked the lights once to slow some of us down thats one thing. However he became a hazard on the road. Guess they have lights due to chasing poachers?? But not speeders on 95.

smcbride11 · September 19th, 2010, 09:22 PM

AFAIK, anyone with a US Gov't plate - Fish & Wildlife, US Marshals, Treasury, etc - has no authority on the highway as they aren't peace officers. That stretch of road is horrible for slow left lane drivers pacing the right lane and backing dozens of cars up, so I'm sure he was just making some time.

backinthesaddleagain · September 20th, 2010, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcbride11

AFAIK, anyone with a US Gov't plate - Fish & Wildlife, US Marshals, Treasury, etc - has no authority on the highway as they aren't peace officers. That stretch of road is horrible for slow left lane drivers pacing the right lane and backing dozens of cars up, so I'm sure he was just making some time.

Slow left hand lane drivers for sure Steve. You can cruise the right, then someone decides to go for the right hand exit from the highspeed lane and everyone is slamming on the brakes.

M · September 20th, 2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneJunkie

I didn't realize that US Fish and Wildlife could have red/blue lights.

I don't think they have authority to slow traffic, maybe he was just testing his power?

If the driver had a Federal commission card, then he/she would have the authority to use emergency lights.

As for their motive using the lights, that's lies within the head of that person.

kkim · September 20th, 2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M

If the driver had a Federal commission card, then he/she would have the authority to use emergency lights.

As for their motive using the lights, that's lies within the head of that person.

Do you agree a call should have been made based on his actions?

M · September 20th, 2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcbride11

AFAIK, anyone with a US Gov't plate - Fish & Wildlife, US Marshals, Treasury, etc - has no authority on the highway as they aren't peace officers.

A federal commission card gives federal LEOs a wide range of jurisdiction, though they typically won't stop a vehicle for a municipal offense. US Marshals specifically use traffic stops on a regular basis to make contact with persons of interest and possible fugitives.

headshrink · September 20th, 2010, 12:05 PM

Maybe Barney Fife "deputized" him. LOL

Nah, I agree with the other posts.... probably abusing the lights. Personally, I would consider reporting based on principle primarily. Government abuse is a big deal, IMO. I know the guy is human and needs a little fun, so I would give him a break for doing it once (I mean I'm sure I would do it one... it's got to be fun

), but if you saw him doing it repeatedly I would be a little more concerned - mostly out of principle. Government officials, particularly LEO and elected officials, have a lot of responsibility that goes with their power, and that should take that responsibility seriously. This kind of behavior tends to perpetuate negative stereotypes and feelings toward them in general, and the trust of the public is a fragile thing. In my understanding, Fish and Game pays McDonald's wages, but I'm sure there is some responsible person out there that would take the job in a second if that guys position opened up suddenly. If I were the guys supervisor, I would imagine a stern warning would suffice.... but who knows, maybe he heard on the radio his house was on fire (but than he would be going a lot faster).

A relative used to drive an "unmarked", non-LEO, US government (plate) vehicle. Trust me.... they get no special treatment or privileges from what I saw. In fact one department lost their car after a citizen called them in for private use (I don't know how they knew). I thought this was a LITTLE harsh, but I do believe all branches and levels of government must be responsible to the public. By the way, I think the agency was the Army Corp. of Engineers.

In my younger years, I used to drive vehicles with "immunity." These where state Rep. and others that had diplomatic plates. I was 19YO at the time, and parked cars for an expensive restaurant across from the capital. The perceived "immunity" was probably larger in my mind, than reality, but it was fun to whip it around the block at the time. 4 hours latter, I would be handing the keys back over to a completely drunk state official. This wouldn't happen today... I was a VERY naive 19YO. All that to say, maybe the guy from the OP was just on a joy-ride while the fish-n-game guy was enjoying a meal...

Sorry for the long-winded, and completely unnecessary rant/tangent..... just got up and am waiting for coffee.

Blackwidow · September 20th, 2010, 12:06 PM

i wanted to be a cop at one point in my life, so i took a criminal justice class and my professor happened to be a lieutent of one of the police departments. We brought a situation like this to his attention and he said that you can actually file a complaint with the department if you feel someone is misusing their power. So you should have and could have made the call.

backinthesaddleagain · September 20th, 2010, 12:45 PM

I am tempted to call. But then I have this conspiracy theory that next thing I will be looked up somehow by the driver of the Fish and Wildlife truck and end up with more trouble than its worth???

kkim · September 20th, 2010, 12:50 PM

ask if you can place an anonymous call in.

most Federal agencies welcome tips on waste, fraud and abuse now days as opposed to the old days.

M · September 20th, 2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Do you agree a call should have been made based on his actions?

It certainly wouldn't hurt. Checks & balances exist to address abuses. A call will probably initiate an IA review of who it might have been, along with a determination if said person was acting within policies/procedures.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely...

kkim · September 20th, 2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M

It certainly wouldn't hurt. Checks & balances exist to address abuses. A call will probably initiate an IA review of who it might have been, along with a determination if said person was acting within policies/procedures.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely...

...and of the concern Greg has on retribution? thanks for your input.

backinthesaddleagain · September 20th, 2010, 12:59 PM

I did call the NE region. I gave the time and the exits. Lady on the phone was unaware of red/blue lights, but I described the truck (white 4 door pickup, black "Back Rack" brand rack in the back window, and their logo on the door. I never wrote down the US Gov license plate number, but at least she is aware. Or at least its off my chest.

headshrink · September 20th, 2010, 01:06 PM

Good man.

Blackwidow · September 20th, 2010, 02:36 PM

high 5 Greg!!

M · September 21st, 2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

...and of the concern Greg has on retribution? thanks for your input.

Probably unfounded; the LEO knows that the individual contacted the agency once. Said individual is likely to contact the same agency if the LEO tries any retribution.

The LEO would have to be out of their mind to take a possible minor offense & turn it into a fire-able offense.

FrugalNinja250 · September 21st, 2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M

Probably unfounded; the LEO knows that the individual contacted the agency once. Said individual is likely to contact the same agency if the LEO tries any retribution.

The LEO would have to be out of their mind to take a possible minor offense & turn it into a fire-able offense.

And we've never seen any instances where someone was out of their mind...

In reality, given the nature of the blue wall (or shield, or gang, or whatever) it's likely that the OP will just get blown off.

September 18th, 2010, 07:12 PM	#1
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	US Fish and Wildlife authority on the interstate? Driving (in car) on Rte 95 in Connecticut tonight. About 10-15 mph over the limit in the high speed lane. Vehicle behind me hits the blue and red lights, I swear, and go in low speed lane. Vehicle shuts off the police lights and passes me. Its a white pickup with US Government plate. He does this a few times but never really speeds up like he's on a call. Apparantly I wasn't the only interested person as 2 other cars start trying to catch up to him to see what agency he is. Each time someone pulls up along side he puts the lights on again. I get my turn and see its a US Fish and Wildlife truck. I back down before he hits the lights again. However next up was a toyota from massachusetts, they stayed side by side with the fish and game guy slowing the interstate to 40mph. I tried to get Connecticut State PD on the phone, to report this guy, then figured the PD would ally with him and next thing I'd be the worse for it. Just seems like he had no right doing what he was doing and was causing alot of confusion on a 65 mph road.

September 20th, 2010, 12:06 PM	#15
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	i wanted to be a cop at one point in my life, so i took a criminal justice class and my professor happened to be a lieutent of one of the police departments. We brought a situation like this to his attention and he said that you can actually file a complaint with the department if you feel someone is misusing their power. So you should have and could have made the call. __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

September 20th, 2010, 02:36 PM	#22
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	high 5 Greg!! __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill

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September 18th, 2010, 07:24 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Ah... give him a break. He was most likely drunk and just having some fun.

September 18th, 2010, 07:35 PM	#4
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	Was the highway going through federal property? If not then I don't think he had any authority.

September 19th, 2010, 11:13 AM	#6
GeneJunkie ninjette.org sage Name: Cindy Location: Wethersfield, CT Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 691	I didn't realize that US Fish and Wildlife could have red/blue lights. I don't think they have authority to slow traffic, maybe he was just testing his power?

September 19th, 2010, 02:51 PM	#7
g21-30 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sam Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 Posts: A lot.	Call and mention what you saw, along with a Tag #: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/le/

September 19th, 2010, 09:22 PM	#9
smcbride11 ninjette.org member Name: Steve Location: Providence, RI Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '95 BMW K75 Posts: 188	AFAIK, anyone with a US Gov't plate - Fish & Wildlife, US Marshals, Treasury, etc - has no authority on the highway as they aren't peace officers. That stretch of road is horrible for slow left lane drivers pacing the right lane and backing dozens of cars up, so I'm sure he was just making some time.

September 20th, 2010, 12:05 PM	#14
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Maybe Barney Fife "deputized" him. LOL Nah, I agree with the other posts.... probably abusing the lights. Personally, I would consider reporting based on principle primarily. Government abuse is a big deal, IMO. I know the guy is human and needs a little fun, so I would give him a break for doing it once (I mean I'm sure I would do it one... it's got to be fun ), but if you saw him doing it repeatedly I would be a little more concerned - mostly out of principle. Government officials, particularly LEO and elected officials, have a lot of responsibility that goes with their power, and that should take that responsibility seriously. This kind of behavior tends to perpetuate negative stereotypes and feelings toward them in general, and the trust of the public is a fragile thing. In my understanding, Fish and Game pays McDonald's wages, but I'm sure there is some responsible person out there that would take the job in a second if that guys position opened up suddenly. If I were the guys supervisor, I would imagine a stern warning would suffice.... but who knows, maybe he heard on the radio his house was on fire (but than he would be going a lot faster). A relative used to drive an "unmarked", non-LEO, US government (plate) vehicle. Trust me.... they get no special treatment or privileges from what I saw. In fact one department lost their car after a citizen called them in for private use (I don't know how they knew). I thought this was a LITTLE harsh, but I do believe all branches and levels of government must be responsible to the public. By the way, I think the agency was the Army Corp. of Engineers. In my younger years, I used to drive vehicles with "immunity." These where state Rep. and others that had diplomatic plates. I was 19YO at the time, and parked cars for an expensive restaurant across from the capital. The perceived "immunity" was probably larger in my mind, than reality, but it was fun to whip it around the block at the time. 4 hours latter, I would be handing the keys back over to a completely drunk state official. This wouldn't happen today... I was a VERY naive 19YO. All that to say, maybe the guy from the OP was just on a joy-ride while the fish-n-game guy was enjoying a meal... Sorry for the long-winded, and completely unnecessary rant/tangent..... just got up and am waiting for coffee.

September 20th, 2010, 12:45 PM	#16
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I am tempted to call. But then I have this conspiracy theory that next thing I will be looked up somehow by the driver of the Fish and Wildlife truck and end up with more trouble than its worth???

September 20th, 2010, 12:50 PM	#17
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	ask if you can place an anonymous call in. most Federal agencies welcome tips on waste, fraud and abuse now days as opposed to the old days.

September 20th, 2010, 12:59 PM	#20
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I did call the NE region. I gave the time and the exits. Lady on the phone was unaware of red/blue lights, but I described the truck (white 4 door pickup, black "Back Rack" brand rack in the back window, and their logo on the door. I never wrote down the US Gov license plate number, but at least she is aware. Or at least its off my chest.

September 20th, 2010, 01:06 PM	#21
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Good man.